"ma" wrote in message
...
Hello all,
I tried to get an answer by searching Usenet
but I didn't see a matching issue.

About 2 weeks ago we replaced our 20+ year
old 10 SEER, 3.5 ton Carrier condenser with a
Trane 14XLi, 14 SEER 3.5 ton. Didn't change
the attic unit.

Since then I have been monitoring electric usage,
and I, not only don't see a drop in usage, but a few
days I saw an increase.

We live in Houston, and is June and all, but I compare
usage to last year in June, and on average we used
82-83 KW-HR a day then, and we are using 84-86
KW-HR now.

All other usage habits have not changed at all.

Our total living area is about 2100 sq. ft. with walls &
attic being 20+ years old. But these attributes have not
changed for either condensers.

Why going from an old SEER 10 to new 14 SEER does
not provide a little relief from high electric bill?

Outside temperature runs about 92 to 94 with 60% RH.
We keep inside at 76 and I admit the old one couldn't keep
up with 76 and let it rise to 79 to 80 inside, but the new one
keeps up with the setpoint of 76, but runs most of the time
costing us 84-86 KW-HR every day!

Sorry if turned out to be a long post.

Thanks in advance for any type of guidance.

Mike

The specs on a/c's are pretty specific. If you expect the seer rating you
install MATCHED equipment. That means compressor and air handler are
matched to provide the rated performance.
The old 10 SEER air handler has just taken you back to 10 SEER.

If not changing the air handler was your decision, OUCH
Call your contractor and see if there is a upgrade coil that can be
installed in the old air handler cabinet. I have never heard of one but that
does not mean that some one is not making them.

Sorry if this is really negative.